Application program, information processing device, and control method for information processing device

Abstract

In a configuration that uses a standard driver to control fax transmission, this provides a mechanism that allows the user to confirm an image based on the fax transmission data before the fax is sent. [Solution] The host computer 101, which is equipped with an extension application 204 that supports the general-purpose printing software 202, displays an image based on the FAX transmission data generated based on the settings of the detailed settings screen 304 as a preview 311 on the display unit 119 before sending the FAX transmission data to the printing device 102.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application program, an information processing apparatus, and a control method for an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an information processing apparatus that causes an image processing apparatus to perform FAX (Facsimile) transmission of generated FAX transmission data. The information processing apparatus performs control to display, for example, a FAX setting UI for causing the image processing apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus to execute FAX transmission processing on the display unit of the information processing apparatus (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] By the way, in Windows (registered trademark), general-purpose software (hereinafter referred to as "standard driver") applicable to various image processing apparatuses provided by different manufacturers is provided. Such a standard driver is pre-installed in the OS and can be used by connecting an arbitrary image processing apparatus to an information processing apparatus equipped with this OS. Therefore, there is no need to separately install a manufacturer-specific printer driver, which is highly convenient. On the other hand, since the standard driver is applied to various image processing apparatuses provided by various manufacturers, only standard functions can be used, and manufacturer-specific functions cannot be used.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the manufacturer's unique features is the fax preview function. This function allows users to check the image based on the fax transmission data on the screen before sending the fax. This allows users to confirm whether the intended data will be sent before actually sending the fax.

[0006] However, when using the standard driver, the fax preview function cannot be used, meaning that users cannot be shown images based on the fax transmission data before sending the fax.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a mechanism that allows the user to confirm an image based on the fax transmission data before the fax transmission is performed, in a configuration that uses a standard driver to control fax transmission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the application program of the present invention is an application program that supports a standard driver provided by the provider of an operating system, and is characterized by causing an information processing device to perform the steps of: receiving FAX settings; and displaying an image based on the FAX transmission data on the display means of the information processing device before causing an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing device to transmit the FAX transmission data generated based on the settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, in a configuration that uses a standard driver to control fax transmission, the user can be made to confirm the fax transmission data before the fax is transmitted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of the host computer as an information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the host computer. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the print settings screen displayed on the display unit in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the steps involved in the PDC editing process performed by the functional extension unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the capability information of a printing device obtained from the printing device in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 2(b) shows an example of a list of features supported by the extended application. [Figure 8] Figure 2(b) shows an example of a list of features supported by general-purpose printing software. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for the fax transmission control process performed by the host computer and printing device. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an image displayed as a preview when the cover sheet setting is set to "ON" in the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(b). [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of an image displayed as a preview when the image quality setting is configured in the detailed settings screen of Figure 3(b). [Figure 12] This figure (b) shows an example of an image displayed as a preview when the error diffusion function setting is configured in the detailed settings screen. [Figure 13] Figure 3(b) shows an example of an image that is displayed as a preview when the layout function settings are configured in the detailed settings screen. [Figure 14] Figure 2(b) is a flowchart showing the steps of the support process performed by the extended application. [Figure 15] Figure 1 is a sequence diagram showing another procedure for the fax transmission control process performed by the host computer and printing device.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the hardware configuration of a host computer 101 as an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0013] In FIG. 1, the host computer 101 includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device 114, an output interface 115, an input / output interface 116, and a NETIF 120. These are connected to each other via a bus 121. Input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110. A display device such as a display unit 119 is connected to the output interface 115. The NETIF 120 is a network interface and controls data transfer with external devices via a network.

[0014] An initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. An application program, an operating system (OS), print data generation software, and other various data are stored in the external storage device 114. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory or the like when executing various programs stored in the external storage device 114, and various programs can operate within the host computer 101.

[0015] In the present embodiment, the CPU 111 executes the functions and processes according to the flowchart described later in the host computer 101 by performing processing according to the procedures of the programs stored in the ROM 112. The printing device 102 as an image forming apparatus is connected to the host computer 101 via the input / output interface 116. In FIG. 1, the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 are shown as separate devices, but they may be configured as one information processing device. Further, the printing setting screen and the detailed setting screen described later are displayed on the display unit 119. In the present embodiment, as the printing device 102, an electrophotographic digital multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as copying, printing, and FAX will be described as an example. However, the printing device 102 is not limited to such a digital multifunction device, and may be a device using another process such as an inkjet method. Further, the host computer 101 may be a desktop personal computer, a smartphone, or a notebook personal computer.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the host computer 101 in FIG. 1. In the present embodiment, as an example, it will be described that the host computer 101 has a configuration including Windows (registered trademark) 11 of Microsoft (registered trademark) as an OS.

[0017] FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the host computer 101 in which the extended application 204 is not installed.

[0018] In FIG. 2(a), the host computer 101 includes a drawing application 201 and general-purpose printing software 202 as software. The processing by these software is realized by the CPU 111 executing a program stored in the external storage device 114. Further, the host computer 101 includes printing function information 203.

[0019] The drawing application 201 is software that creates content (drawing data) to be printed, such as a word processing application or a spreadsheet application. When the drawing application 201 receives a print request or a fax transmission request from the user, it issues a job execution instruction to the OS. This execution instruction includes print setting information to instruct the operation of the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102. The print setting information is also called a PrintTicket (hereinafter referred to as "PT"). A PT is a file that shows print setting information written in XML format.

[0020] The drawing application 201 can display a print settings screen provided by the general-purpose printing software 202, the OS, or the drawing application 201 itself in order to output a printout (PT). Furthermore, when the detailed settings button on the print settings screen is pressed, the general-purpose printing software 202 displays the detailed settings screen on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101. The configuration of the print settings screen and the detailed settings screen will be described later using Figure 3. The detailed settings screen includes setting items (hereinafter referred to as "control items") that indicate the configurable printing functions according to the capability information of the general-purpose printing software 202, and control items that indicate their setting values. Capability information is also called PrintCapabilities (hereinafter referred to as "PC"). The general-purpose printing software 202 determines the PC based on the printing function information 203.

[0021] The print function information 203 is also called PDC (Print Device Capabilities). PDC203 is data indicating the print functions, which includes all configurable print functions, their settings, and the mutual exclusion relationships between the settings. PDC203 is included in the configuration file of the general-purpose printing software 202 and is stored in the external storage device 114 as an immutable file. Alternatively, PDC203 is dynamically generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS of the host computer 101. Specifically, the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS of the host computer 101 obtains attribute data of the printing device 102 from the printing device 102 and generates PDC203 based on the attribute information in the obtained attribute data. The attribute data of the printing device 102 is a response obtained by issuing the IPP (Internet Print Protocol) Get-Printer-Attributes operation to the printing device 102. The response includes attribute information indicating the functions that can be specified by the printing device 102 (printing device capabilities) and the settings related to that attribute information. This response is stored in RAM 113. Furthermore, if PDC203 is generated dynamically, the generated PDC203 can be edited.

[0022] By dynamically generating PDC203 in this way, the general-purpose printing software 202 allows the user to specify the printing and fax functions it supports and that are available on the printing device 102 connected to the host computer 101. In other words, regardless of whether the printing device has different functions or is developed by any manufacturer, the user can specify the printing and fax functions that the general-purpose printing software 202 supports and that are available on the connected printing device. Here, we will describe a configuration in which the general-purpose printing software 202 uses the IPP Class Driver included in Windows® 11. The IPP Class Driver is a printer driver that performs printing processing according to the specifications of a standard printing protocol called IPP (Internet Print Protocol), and is included in the OS package. The IPP Class Driver is not a specific printer driver for each model of printing device 102, but a standard class driver that can be used in common with multiple printing devices. Furthermore, the IPP Class Driver acquires capability information of the printing device 102 so that the user can specify the printing functions supported by the printing device 102 connected to the host computer 101, and generates PDC203 based on this capability information. However, because the IPP Class Driver does not support manufacturer-specific features, it is not possible to allow the user to specify manufacturer-specific features that are available on the printing device connected to the host computer 101. An example of a manufacturer-specific feature is the fax preview function. The fax preview function allows the user to check an image based on the generated fax transmission data before the fax transmission is performed.

[0023] When a job execution command is issued from the drawing application 201, the OS module within the general-purpose printing software 202 generates intermediate data (also called input data). The data output by the drawing application 201 is either Graphic Device Interface format data (GDI format data) or XML Paper Specification format data (XPS format data). Here, as an example, we will describe the case where the general-purpose printing software 202 uses the IPP Class Driver and the data output by the drawing application 201 is in GDI format. In this case, the OS of the host computer 101 converts the GDI format data output from the drawing application 201 into XPS format data. The intermediate data includes drawing data, which is information about the image to be formed on the paper, and PT set by the user.

[0024] The general-purpose printing software 202 converts the acquired intermediate data into print data or fax transmission data, and sends the converted data to the printing device 102. Here, the fax transmission data is the data that the printing device 102 sends to one or more destination devices configured in the IPP protocol. This fax transmission data includes the one or more configured destinations and the data of the generated cover sheet.

[0025] The printing device 102 prints on paper based on the print data received from the general-purpose printing software 202. At this time, the printing device 102 forms the drawing data contained in the print data on the paper in accordance with the print setting attribute information contained in the print data. The print setting attribute information includes attribute information and setting values ​​for specifying the paper size (A4, B5, etc.) and paper orientation. For example, if the print setting attribute information includes attribute information specifying the paper size: A4 and a setting value indicating that this should be done, the printing device 102 will print on A4 paper.

[0026] Furthermore, the printing device 102 is equipped with a fax communication function, and retrieves fax transmission data generated by the extended application 204 from the extended application 204, and faxes this fax transmission data to a device specified by the user.

[0027] Next, we will describe the software configuration of the host computer 101 on which the extended application 204 is installed.

[0028] Figure 2(b) is a block diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the host computer 101 with the extended application 204 installed. Note that configurations and processes not specifically mentioned in Figure 2(b) are equivalent to those in Figure 2(a).

[0029] In Figure 2(b), the host computer 101 includes, as software, the drawing application 201 and the general-purpose printing software 202 described above, as well as an extended application 204. Processing by this software is achieved by the CPU 111 executing a program stored in the external storage device 114.

[0030] The extension application 204 is software that supports the general-purpose printing software 202 provided by the OS provider of the host computer 101, and is not pre-installed (not bundled) with the OS. Therefore, the user needs to operate the host computer 101, download the extension application 204 from a server via the internet, and install it. Alternatively, the extension application 204 may be automatically installed based on the connection of the printer 102 to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the printer 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS of the host computer 101 obtains device identification information from the printer 102. The OS of the host computer 101 may download the extension application 204 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from a server via the internet and install it. In other words, the general-purpose printing software 202 and the extension application 204 are kept as separate files on the host computer 101.

[0031] The general-purpose printing software 202 and the extended application 204 may be updated and upgraded, but these update processes are performed at different times. In other words, the timing at which the host computer 101 acquires the general-purpose printing software 202 and the timing at which it acquires the extended application 204 are different. Also, the triggers for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose printing software 202 and the triggers for the host computer 101 to acquire the extended application 204 are different. When the extended application 204 is installed, the OS of the host computer 101 associates the extended application 204 with the general-purpose printing software 202 and the printing device 102.

[0032] The extended application 204 includes a print settings screen extension unit 205, a print function extension unit 206, an intermediate data editing unit 207, and a notification unit 209. The extended application 204 also includes shared information 208 that can be accessed from all units. This shared information 208 is actually a file stored in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extended application 204 uses the API (Application Program Interface) provided by the host computer 101's OS to write to and read information from the shared information 208.

[0033] The extension application 204 may terminate its operation after each unit has finished processing. In that case, the OS of the host computer 101 will start the extension application 204 each time a request to use each unit is received.

[0034] Furthermore, the extended application 204 may cancel processing within each unit. If canceled, the job in progress on the print queue is deleted by the OS of the host computer 101.

[0035] When the drawing application 201 receives a fax transmission request from the user, it issues a fax transmission instruction to the OS of the host computer 101. In the configuration of Figure 2(b), as in the configuration of Figure 2(a), the drawing application 201 can display the print settings screen. In the configuration of Figure 2(b), the detailed settings screen provided by the extension application 204 is displayed. Specifically, the detailed settings screen provided by the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 is displayed. The print settings screen extension unit 205 also saves the settings values ​​set by the user on the detailed settings screen to the shared information 208. The print settings screen extension unit 205 displays the print settings UI 210 for performing print settings and the fax settings UI 211 for performing fax settings on the display unit 119.

[0036] The intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires intermediate data from the general-purpose printing software 202, converts this intermediate data into print data or fax transmission data, and then passes the converted data (print data or fax transmission data) to the printing device 102. Furthermore, the intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 208 and adds this detailed setting information to the print data or fax transmission data. The printing device 102 prints on the paper based on the received print data. The printing device 102 also faxes the received fax transmission data to the specified device. Note that the method of converting intermediate data into print data or fax transmission data is not limited to the method described above.

[0037] The extended application 204 may be configured to acquire the fax transmission data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 and add detailed setting information to the fax transmission data. Also, even in the configuration of Figure 2(b), there may be cases where the user does not set the fax preview. In such cases, as in the configuration of Figure 2(a), the general-purpose printing software 202 may pass the fax transmission data to the printing device 102 without going through the extended application 204.

[0038] The printing function extension unit 206 can edit the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202 or the OS of the host computer 101. This allows the printing function extension unit 206 to add functions provided by the extension application 204, add functions supported by the printing device 102 but not by the general-purpose printing software 202, and add mutual exclusion relationships between printing function settings. The OS of the host computer 101 starts the printing function extension unit 206 when the extension application 204 is first associated with the printing device 102 and the general-purpose printing software 202. Furthermore, the OS of the host computer 101 may also start the printing function extension unit 206 at other times, such as when the host computer 101 starts up.

[0039] The notification unit 209 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the printer 102. For example, if a paper out error occurs in the printer 102, the general-purpose printing software 202 detects it. The host computer 101's OS uses a notification function called a toast notification, which is a feature of the OS, to display a message on the display unit 119. When the user clicks on this toast notification, the notification unit 209 of the extended application 204 is called by the host computer 101's OS, and the notification unit 209's UI screen is displayed. The notification unit 209's UI screen displays, for example, detailed information about the paper out error and instructions on how to load paper.

[0040] Next, we will describe an example of the FAX setting UI 211 and the print setting UI 210 displayed on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101.

[0041] In this embodiment, if it is determined that the capabilities information of the printing device 102 includes a fax function, that is, if the printing device 102 supports a fax function, the print setting screen extension unit 205 displays the fax setting UI 211 on the display unit 119.

[0042] Figure 3(a) shows an example of the FAX settings screen 301 as the FAX setting UI 211 in Figure 2. The FAX settings screen 301 allows users to configure settings such as paper size, image quality, paper orientation, and recipient's FAX number. The FAX settings screen 301 also includes an advanced settings button 302 and a send button 303. When the user selects the advanced settings button 302, the display unit 119 switches to the advanced settings screen 304 shown in Figure 3(b). When the user selects the send button 303, the preview 311 shown in Figure 3(f), described later, is displayed superimposed on the FAX settings screen 301.

[0043] Figure 3(b) shows an example of the detailed settings screen 304 displayed on the display unit 119 by the extended application 204 shown in Figure 2. Note that Figure 3(b) shows the detailed settings screen 304 with tab 305 selected.

[0044] The detailed settings screen 304 includes settings for paper size, image quality, and paper orientation as mentioned above, as well as settings for broadcast transmission, cover sheet, layout, error diffusion, and preview. Layout is a function that allows you to print data for multiple pages on a single sheet of paper. Broadcast transmission is a function that allows you to send the same fax data to multiple different recipients with a single transmission command from the user. Error diffusion is a function that uses a dithering technique to simulate intermediate colors when reducing the number of colors or gradations in an image.

[0045] When the user selects tab 306 on the detailed settings screen 304, the screen shown in Figure 3(c) is displayed on the display unit 119. On this screen, the user can select one or more destination fax numbers from the destination list pre-registered in RAM 113. When a transmission command is issued with multiple destinations selected on this screen, broadcast transmission is performed, sending the same fax transmission data to the multiple selected destinations. Functions corresponding to setting items not included in the fax settings screen 301 displayed by the general-purpose printing software 202 (e.g., broadcast transmission, cover sheet, destination list) are functions not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202. In this embodiment, the host computer 101 acquires fax capability information from the printing device 102, and the extended application 204 controls the display of the detailed settings screen 304 based on the acquired capability information. As a result, the host computer 101 can accept settings for functions (e.g., broadcast transmission, cover sheet, destination list) based on the said capability information.

[0046] Furthermore, when the user selects tab 307 on the detailed settings screen 304, the screen shown in Figure 3(d) is displayed on the display unit 119. This screen displays a list of sent fax transmission data based on the history table. This screen includes information such as document name, transmission time, number of pages sent, and user name. When a job is selected on this screen, the fax transmission data sent by the selected job is displayed as shown in Figure 3(d) 310. Also, when the user presses the enlarge button 310a in Figure 3(d), the enlarged fax transmission data is displayed as shown in Figure 3(e).

[0047] Figure 3(f) shows an example of the screen displayed when the user selects the send button 303. When the user selects the send button 303, the preview 311 is displayed superimposed on the FAX settings screen 301. The OK button 312 is a button to instruct the user to continue the FAX transmission process. The Cancel button 313 is a button to instruct the user to interrupt the FAX transmission process.

[0048] On the other hand, in this embodiment, if it is determined that the capabilities information of the printing device 102 does not include a fax function, that is, if the printing device 102 does not support a fax function, the print setting screen extension unit 205 displays the print setting UI 210 on the display unit 119.

[0049] Figure 4(a) shows an example of the print settings screen 400, which serves as the print settings UI 210 in Figure 2. On the print settings screen 400, users can also configure other settings not included in Figure 4(a) by operating the scroll bar 401 (see, for example, Figure 4(b)).

[0050] Next, we will explain how the PDC203 is edited by the intermediate data editing unit 207.

[0051] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the PDC editing process performed by the intermediate data editing unit 207 in Figure 2. The PDC editing process is performed by the CPU 111 controlling the intermediate data editing unit 207.

[0052] In Figure 5, first, in S501, the intermediate data editing unit 207 obtains capability information of the printer 102 from the printer 102. The capability information of the printer 102 is information included in the response of the IPP Get-Printer-Attributes operation issued to the printer 102. The capability information of the printer 102 includes attribute information indicating the functions that can be specified on the printer 102 and setting values ​​related to that attribute information. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the capability information 601 of the printer 102 obtained from the printer 102. As shown in Figure 6, information such as the FAX image quality function and setting values ​​(options) that can be set for each function are obtained from the printer 102.

[0053] Next, in S502, the intermediate data editing unit 207 obtains a list of functions supported by the extended application 204 from the shared information 208. In this embodiment, the shared information 208 contains a list of functions supported by the extended application 204, specifically all functions that the extended application 204 can process and their settings. Table 701 in Figure 7 is an example of a list of functions supported by the extended application 204. The list of functions supported by the extended application 204 may be updated due to updates to the extended application 204, etc.

[0054] Next, in S503, the print function expansion unit 206 obtains the PDC203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202 from the OS. The PDC203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202 is created based on the capability information 601 of the printing device 102 obtained by the general-purpose printing software 202 from the printing device 102. The PDC203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202 includes only the information of functions that the general-purpose printing software 202 supports from the capability information 601 of the printing device 102, and does not include information of functions that the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support. Table 801 in Figure 8 is an example of a list of functions supported by the general-purpose printing software 202. For example, the capability information 601 of the printing device 102 includes "Letter" as a paper size option for the printing function, but as shown in Figure 8, the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support this option. Therefore, the PDC203 obtained in S503 does not include information of this option. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the general-purpose printing software 202 does not support a fax preview function, so the PDC203 acquired by S503 does not include option information related to the fax preview function. By adding function information and option information to such a PDC203, the extended application 204 can compensate for the lack of functionality in the general-purpose printing software 202. The printing function extension unit 206 can also delete unnecessary function information and option information from the PDC203 created by the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0055] Next, the printing function expansion unit 206 performs function addition processing. Specifically, the printing function expansion unit 206 performs S504, S505, and S506. The function addition processing is a process that is repeated for each function option recorded in the capability information 601 of the printing device 102 acquired in S501. In this embodiment, the function addition processing is repeated for 20 items, from the option for print paper size "A4" to the option for the FAX preview function "Do not use" in the capability information 601 of Figure 6. The printing function expansion unit 206 selects one of the options in the capability information 601 of the printing device 102 acquired in S501.

[0056] In S504, the intermediate data editing unit 207 determines whether the selected option is included in the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. For example, if "A4," an option for fax paper size, is selected from the capability information 601 of the printing device 102, then "A4" is supported by the general-purpose printing software 202, as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, "A4" is included in the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, and in this case, S504 determines that the selected option is included in the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. On the other hand, if "Enable," an option for the fax preview function, is selected from the capability information 601 of the printing device 102, then "Enable" is not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202, as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, "Enable" is not included in the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, and in this case, S504 determines that the selected option is not included in the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0057] If, in S504, it is determined that the selected option is included in the PDC 203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, the intermediate data editing unit 207 selects the next option, and the PDC editing process returns to S504. If the option determined in S504 is the last option in the capability information 601 of the printing device 102 acquired in S501 (for example, "Do not do" in Figure 6), the function addition process ends, and the PDC editing process ends.

[0058] If, in S504, it is determined that the selected option is not included in the PDC203 generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, the PDC editing process proceeds to S505.

[0059] In S505, the intermediate data editing unit 207 determines whether the selected option is included in the list of functions obtained in S502, that is, the list of functions supported by the extended application 204. If it is determined that the selected option is not included in the list of functions obtained in S502, the function addition process ends and the PDC editing process ends. If it is determined that the selected option is included in the list of functions obtained in S502, the function addition process proceeds to S506.

[0060] In S506, the intermediate data editing unit 207 adds the selected option to the PDC 203. Then, the intermediate data editing unit 207 selects the next option, and the PDC editing process returns to S504. If the option added to the PDC 203 in S506 is the last option in the capability information 601 of the printing device 102 acquired in S501, the function addition process ends, and the PDC editing process ends.

[0061] As described above, the intermediate data editing unit 207 adds options to the PDC 203 for functions that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 but are supported by the printing device 102 and the extended application 204. A PC is generated based on the PDC 203 edited by the PDC editing process described above. Furthermore, the print settings screen extension unit 205 generates display data for the detailed settings screen 304 based on this PC. This makes it possible to display the detailed settings screen 304, which allows settings for functions that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 but are supported by the printing device 102 and the extended application 204.

[0062] Next, we will describe the fax transmission control process from when the host computer 101 receives the fax settings until the printing device 102 actually sends the fax.

[0063] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for the FAX transmission control process executed by the host computer 101 and the printing device 102 in Figure 1. In Figure 9, the processing by the host computer 101 is performed by the CPU 111 controlling the drawing application 201, the general-purpose printing software 202, and the extended application 204. In Figure 9, the processing by the printing device 102 is realized by the CPU (not shown) of the printing device 102 executing a program stored in the ROM (not shown) of the printing device 102. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2(b) above, the FAX transmission control process in which the host computer 101 is equipped with the extended application 204 will be described. Furthermore, in the FAX transmission control process in Figure 9, it is assumed that the PDC editing process in Figure 5 above has already been executed. Through this PDC editing process, the PDC 203 has been given options for functions that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 but are supported by the printing device 102 and the extended application 204 (for example, the FAX preview function).

[0064] In Figure 9, first, in S901, the drawing application 201 receives a FAX setting instruction from the user. The FAX setting instruction is an instruction to configure the settings used for the FAX transmission process to be executed by the printing device 102 connected to the host computer 101. In this embodiment, the user can give the FAX setting instruction to the drawing application 201 by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118.

[0065] Next, in S902, the drawing application 201 displays the FAX settings screen 301 shown in Figure 3(a) on the display unit 119.

[0066] Next, in S903, the drawing application 201 receives a command to display the detailed settings screen. In this embodiment, the user can request the display of the detailed settings screen by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to select the detailed settings button 302 on the FAX settings screen 301.

[0067] Next, in S904, the drawing application 201 requests the general-purpose printing software 202 to display the detailed settings screen, in accordance with the received instruction to display the detailed settings screen.

[0068] Next, in S905, the general-purpose printing software 202 requests the extended application 204 to display the detailed settings screen in accordance with the received display request.

[0069] Next, in S906, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the detailed settings screen 304 shown in Figure 3(b) on the display unit 119 in accordance with the received display request. Specifically, the print settings screen extension unit 205 refers to the PC generated based on the PDC 203 to which options such as the FAX preview function have been added in the PDC editing process shown in Figure 5 above, and displays the detailed settings screen 304 on the display unit 119.

[0070] Next, in the S907, the print settings screen extension unit 205 accepts settings from the user on the detailed settings screen 304. For example, as shown in Figure 3(b), if the user sets the paper size to A4, image quality to normal, and layout to 1-in-1, these setting values ​​are stored in the RAM 113.

[0071] Next, in S908, the print settings screen extension unit 205 receives a command from the user to finish the detailed settings. In this embodiment, the user can perform the command to finish the detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the OK button 309.

[0072] Next, in S909, the extended application 204 notifies the general-purpose printing software 202 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0073] Upon receiving this notification, the general-purpose printing software 202 switches the display unit 119 screen to the FAX settings screen 301. The general-purpose printing software 202 also notifies the drawing application 201 in S910 that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0074] Next, in S911, the drawing application 201 receives a fax transmission instruction from the user. In this embodiment, the user can send a fax by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the send button 303 on the fax settings screen 301.

[0075] Next, in S912, the drawing application 201 issues a fax transmission instruction to the general-purpose printing software 202.

[0076] Next, in S913, the general-purpose printing software 202 generates intermediate data using the OS module of the host computer 101. The intermediate data is generated based on the settings stored in RAM 113 in S907.

[0077] Next, in S914, the general-purpose printing software 202 saves the PT contained in the intermediate data generated in S913 to the shared information 208.

[0078] Next, in S915, the general-purpose printing software 202 passes the intermediate drawing data from the intermediate data generated in S913 to the extended application 204.

[0079] Next, in S916, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 retrieves the PT saved in S914 from the shared information 208.

[0080] Next, in S917, the intermediate data editing unit 207 sends the intermediate drawing data to the printing device 102. The intermediate data editing unit 207 also sends the PT acquired in S916 to the printing device 102. In this embodiment, the intermediate drawing data and PT may be sent to the printing device 102 as separate files, or a single file containing the intermediate drawing data and PT may be sent to the printing device 102.

[0081] Next, in S918, the printing device 102 generates fax transmission data using the intermediate drawing data and PT.

[0082] Next, in S919, the printing device 102 sends the generated fax transmission data to the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204.

[0083] Next, in the S920, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 determines whether or not a preview instruction is given. For example, if the setting value of the preview setting item 308 in the detailed settings screen 304 is "Yes", it is determined that a preview instruction has been given. On the other hand, if the setting value of the preview setting item 308 in the detailed settings screen 304 is "No", it is determined that there is no preview instruction.

[0084] If it is determined that there is no preview instruction, preview 311 will not be displayed, and the process will proceed to S923. If it is determined that there is a preview instruction, the process will proceed to S921.

[0085] In S921, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the preview 311 superimposed on the FAX settings screen 301, as shown in Figure 3(f). The preview 311 displays an image based on the FAX transmission data generated in S918.

[0086] If the user selects the cancel button 313 on preview 311, this process ends. If the user selects the OK button 312 on preview 311, the drawing application 201 issues a fax transmission instruction to the extended application 204 (S922).

[0087] Next, in S923, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 sends the FAX transmission data received in S919 to the printing device 102.

[0088] Next, in S924, the printing device 102 sends the received fax data to one or more destinations specified by the user.

[0089] Next, in S924, the printing device 102 notifies the general-purpose printing software 202 on the host computer 101 of the fax transmission status, indicating whether the fax transmission process was successful or not. After that, this process ends.

[0090] In the FAX transmission control process shown in Figure 9 above, in S918, the printer 102 may generate FAX transmission data only if the received PT only includes functions supported by the printer 102. In such a configuration, for example, if the printer 102 does not support a function but the extended application 204 supports that function, the printer 102 will not generate FAX transmission data. In such a case, the general-purpose printing software 202 or the extended application 204 may generate FAX transmission data using the intermediate drawing data and PT.

[0091] Next, the preview 311 displayed in S921 will be explained using Figures 10 to 13.

[0092] For example, if the cover sheet setting is set to "ON" in the detailed settings screen 304, the pre-registered cover sheet image will be displayed as a preview 311, as shown in Figure 10. In the preview 311, the user can zoom in and out of the image displayed in the preview 311 by selecting the zoom in button 1001 and the zoom out button 1002. In addition, in the preview 311, the user can display the image of the next page in the preview 311 by selecting the page turning button 1003.

[0093] Furthermore, if a quality setting is selected in the detailed settings screen 304, the preview 311 will display an image with the resolution corresponding to the selected setting. For example, if a low resolution setting is selected for quality in the detailed settings screen 304, the preview 311 will display a low resolution image corresponding to the selected setting, as shown in Figure 11(a). Similarly, if a high resolution setting is selected for quality in the detailed settings screen 304, the preview 311 will display a high resolution image corresponding to the selected setting, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0094] Furthermore, if a setting value for the error diffusion function is set in the detailed settings screen 304, an image corresponding to the set setting value will be displayed as preview 311. Figure 12(a) shows an example of an image displayed in preview 311 when the error diffusion function is set to "none". Figure 12(b) shows an example of an image displayed in preview 311 when the error diffusion function is set to "on". When the error diffusion function is set to "on", the image will be grainy, and when the error diffusion function is set to "none", the gradation will be represented by periodic dots. It can be seen that the text "Order Form" in Figure 12(b) is more readable than in Figure 12(a). If you want to notify information with less misunderstanding by using the FAX preview function, it is preferable to set the error diffusion function to "on".

[0095] Furthermore, if a setting value for the layout function is configured in the detailed settings screen 304, an image corresponding to the configured setting value will be displayed as a preview 311. Figure 13(a) shows an example of an image displayed in preview 311 when the layout function is set to "1 in 1". Figure 13(b) shows an example of an image displayed in preview 311 when the layout function is set to "2 in 1". In Figure 13(b), an image containing two pages on one page is displayed, which reduces the amount of data and improves overall readability, but there are concerns that thin lines may disappear when scaled down and the visibility of small text may decrease.

[0096] Next, we will explain the details of the processing performed by the extended application 204 in the FAX transmission control process described above.

[0097] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the steps of the support process performed by the extended application 204 in Figure 2(b). The support process in Figure 14 is performed by the CPU 111 controlling the extended application 204. Note that the support process in Figure 14 includes S906-S909, S916-S917, S920-S921, and S923 as described above.

[0098] In Figure 14, first, in S1401, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the detailed settings screen 304 shown in Figure 3(b) on the display unit 119 in accordance with the request to display the detailed settings screen received from the general-purpose printing software 202. See, for example, S906 described above.

[0099] Next, in S1402, the print settings screen extension unit 205 accepts settings from the user on the detailed settings screen 304. See, for example, S907 mentioned above.

[0100] Next, in S1403, the print settings screen extension unit 205 receives a command from the user to finish the detailed settings. See, for example, S908 above. Then, the extension application 204 notifies the general-purpose printing software 202 that the detailed settings have finished. See, for example, S909 above.

[0101] Next, in S1404, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 acquires intermediate drawing data and PT. For example, the intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires intermediate drawing data output from the general-purpose printing software 202 in S915. Also, as shown in S916 above, the intermediate data editing unit 207 acquires PT saved in S914 above from the shared information 208.

[0102] Next, in S1405, the intermediate data editing unit 207 sends the intermediate drawing data to the printing device 102. The intermediate data editing unit 207 also sends the PT acquired in S1404 to the printing device 102. See, for example, S917 described above.

[0103] Next, in S1406, the intermediate data editing unit 207 receives the FAX transmission data generated by the printing device 102.

[0104] Next, in S1407, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 determines whether or not a preview instruction is issued. For example, see S920 mentioned above. If it is determined that there is no preview instruction, this process proceeds to S1409. If it is determined that there is a preview instruction, this process proceeds to S1408.

[0105] In S1408, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the preview 311 superimposed on the FAX settings screen 301, as shown in Figure 3(f). See, for example, S921 mentioned above. An example of the image displayed in the preview 311 is shown in Figures 10 to 13.

[0106] Next, in S1409, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 sends the FAX transmission data received in S1406 to the printing device 102. After that, this process ends.

[0107] According to the embodiment described above, the support process shown in Figure 14 is performed on the host computer 101, which is equipped with an extended application 204 that supports the general-purpose printing software 202. In this support process, before the FAX transmission data generated based on the settings of the detailed settings screen 304 is sent to the printing device 102, an image based on the FAX transmission data is displayed on the display unit 119 as a preview 311. This allows the user to confirm an image based on the FAX transmission data before sending the FAX, in a configuration that uses the general-purpose printing software 202 to control FAX transmission.

[0108] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the FAX transmission data is generated by the extended application 204. This allows the user to confirm the image based on the FAX transmission data before the FAX transmission is performed, in a configuration where the extended application 204 generates the FAX transmission data.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the fax transmission data is generated by the general-purpose printing software 202. In a configuration in which the general-purpose printing software 202 generates the fax transmission data, the user can be allowed to confirm the image based on the fax transmission data before the fax is sent.

[0110] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the preview 311 displays an image based on the cover sheet settings configured in the detailed settings screen 304. This allows the user to confirm the configured cover sheet image before sending a fax.

[0111] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the preview 311 displays an image based on the image quality settings configured in the detailed settings screen 304. This allows the user to confirm the image corresponding to the set image quality before sending a fax.

[0112] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the preview 311 displays an image based on the error diffusion settings configured in the detailed settings screen 304. This allows the user to confirm the image corresponding to the configured error diffusion settings before sending a fax.

[0113] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the preview 311 displays an image based on the layout settings configured in the detailed settings screen 304. This allows the user to confirm an image showing the data for the configured number of pages printed on a single sheet of paper before sending a fax.

[0114] In the embodiment described above, the extended application 204 was configured to acquire intermediate data generated by the general-purpose printing software 202, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the extended application 204 itself may be configured to generate the intermediate data.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if broadcast transmission is set to "ON" in the detailed settings screen 304, all the configured destination information may be displayed as a preview 311 along with an image based on the fax transmission data. This allows the user to confirm the specified destination information along with an image based on the fax transmission data before sending the fax.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printer 102 may generate fax transmission data for sending a fax, and the host computer 101 may generate other fax transmission data for displaying the preview 311.

[0117] In the embodiment described above, the printing device 102, which has a fax function, generates fax transmission data and sends this fax transmission data to the extended application 204 in order to display the preview 311 on the display unit 119. However, sending data generated by the printing device 102 to the extended application 204 can be difficult in terms of communication costs and performance.

[0118] Therefore, the following describes a configuration in which the printing device 102 generates fax transmission data for fax transmission, and the host computer 101 generates other fax transmission data for displaying the preview 311. In this configuration, the hardware and software configuration of the host computer 101 is basically the same as the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 2 above, but some of the fax transmission control processing differs. For this reason, the following describes the differences from the fax transmission control processing described above.

[0119] Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing another procedure for the FAX transmission control process performed by the host computer 101 and printing device 102 in Figure 1. The processing by the host computer 101 in Figure 15 is performed by the CPU 111 controlling the drawing application 201, general-purpose printing software 202, and extended application 204, similar to the processing by the host computer 101 in Figure 9 described above. Similarly, the processing by the printing device 102 in Figure 15 is achieved by the CPU (not shown) of the printing device 102 executing a program stored in the ROM (not shown) of the printing device 102, similar to the processing by the host computer 101 in Figure 9 described above. In Figure 15, as in Figure 2(b) described above, the FAX transmission control process described is for a configuration in which the host computer 101 includes the extended application 204. Furthermore, in the FAX transmission control process of Figure 15, similar to the FAX transmission control process of Figure 9 described above, it is assumed that the PDC editing process in Figure 5 described above has already been executed. This PDC editing process adds options to PDC203 for features that are not supported by the general-purpose printing software 202 but are supported by the printing device 102 and the extended application 204 (for example, the fax preview function).

[0120] In Figure 15, steps S901 to S918 described above are performed first.

[0121] Next, in S1501, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 generates fax transmission data using the intermediate drawing data and PT. This fax transmission data consists of data similar to the fax transmission data generated by the printer 102 in S918, but it is not used by the printer 102 to perform fax transmission, but rather for display in the preview 311. In other words, in this embodiment, fax transmission data consisting of similar data is generated by the printer 102 and the host computer 101, respectively.

[0122] Next, S920 described above is performed. Then, in S1502, the print settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the preview 311 superimposed on the FAX settings screen 301, as shown in Figure 3(f). The preview 311 displays an image based on the FAX transmission data generated in S1501. Next, S922 described above is performed.

[0123] Next, in S1503, the intermediate data editing unit 207 of the extended application 204 sends a fax transmission instruction to the printing device 102 in S918, which instructs the printing device 102 to send the fax transmission data generated by the printing device 102. Thus, in the fax transmission control process of Figure 15, unlike the fax transmission control process of Figure 9 described above, in S923 the fax transmission data is sent to the printing device 102, but in this way, a fax transmission instruction with a smaller data size than the fax transmission data is sent to the printing device 102. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted.

[0124] Next, in S1504, the printing device 102 sends the fax data generated in S918 to one or more destinations set by the user, in accordance with the received fax transmission instruction. Then, S926 described above is performed, and this process is completed.

[0125] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0126] Furthermore, the disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) An application program that supports a standard driver provided by the provider of an operating system, characterized in that it causes an information processing device to perform the steps of: receiving FAX settings; and displaying an image based on the FAX transmission data on the display means of the information processing device before causing an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing device to transmit the FAX transmission data generated based on the settings. (Configuration 2) The application program according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the FAX transmission data is generated by the application program. (Configuration 3) The application program according to Configuration 1, characterized in that the FAX transmission data is generated by the standard driver. (Configuration 4) An application program according to Configuration 2 or 3, characterized in that the information processing device is made to perform the steps of sending data for generating the FAX transmission data to the image forming apparatus, and sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus to send the FAX transmission data generated by the image forming apparatus based on the data, and the image displayed on the display means is an image based on the FAX transmission data generated by the information processing device. (Configuration 5) An application program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the FAX settings include the settings for the cover sheet to be included in the FAX transmission data, and in the display step, the image based on the cover sheet settings received in the receiving step is displayed. (Configuration 6) An application program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the FAX settings include setting the image quality of the FAX transmission data, and in the display step, the image based on the image quality settings received in the receiving step is displayed. (Configuration 7) An application program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the FAX settings include error diffusion settings that simulate intermediate colors when reducing the number of colors or gradations of an image, and in the display step, the image based on the error diffusion settings received in the receiving step is displayed. (Configuration 8) The application program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the FAX settings include the setting of a function to arrange and print data for multiple pages onto a single sheet of paper, and in the display step, the image based on the setting of the function received in the receiving step is displayed. (Configuration 9) An application program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the FAX settings, multiple destinations are specified, and in the display step, all specified destination information is displayed together with an image based on the FAX transmission data. (Configuration 10) An information processing apparatus comprising an operating system and an application program that supports a standard driver provided by the provider of the operating system, the information processing apparatus comprising a display means, a means for receiving FAX settings, and a means for controlling the display means to display an image based on the FAX transmission data before causing an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus to transmit the FAX transmission data generated based on the settings. (Configuration 11) A control method for an information processing device comprising an operating system and an application program that supports a standard driver provided by the provider of the operating system, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a FAX setting; and controlling the display means of the information processing device to display an image based on the FAX transmission data before causing an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing device to transmit the FAX transmission data generated based on the setting. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 101 Host computer 102 Printing device 116 Input / Output Interfaces 119 Display section 202 General-purpose printing software 204 Extended Applications 207 Intermediate Data Editing Unit 304 Advanced Settings Screen 311 Preview

Claims

1. An application program that supports standard drivers provided by the operating system provider, In an information processing device, The process of accepting FAX settings, An application program characterized by causing an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus to send fax transmission data generated based on the settings, and before doing so, to display an image based on the fax transmission data on the display means of the information processing apparatus.

2. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the FAX transmission data is generated by the application program.

3. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the FAX transmission data is generated by the standard driver.

4. The aforementioned information processing device, A step of sending data for generating the FAX transmission data to the image forming apparatus, The process involves sending an instruction to the image forming apparatus to send the FAX transmission data generated by the image forming apparatus based on the data, The application program according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the image displayed on the display means is an image based on FAX transmission data generated by the information processing device.

5. The FAX settings include the settings for the cover sheet to be included in the FAX transmission data. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display step displays the image based on the cover sheet settings received in the receiving step.

6. The FAX settings include the settings for the image quality of the FAX transmission data, The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display step displays the image based on the image quality settings received in the receiving step.

7. The aforementioned FAX settings include error diffusion settings that simulate intermediate colors when reducing the number of colors or gradations in an image. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display step displays the image based on the error diffusion setting received in the receiving step.

8. The aforementioned fax settings include the setting for a function that arranges and prints data from multiple pages onto a single sheet of paper. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that the display step displays the image based on the function settings received in the receiving step.

9. In the aforementioned fax settings, multiple recipients are specified. The application program according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the display step, all specified destination information is displayed along with the image based on the FAX transmission data.

10. An information processing device comprising an operating system and an application program that supports a standard driver provided by the provider of the said operating system, Display means and A means of accepting fax settings, An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising: means for controlling an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing apparatus to display an image based on the FAX transmission data on the display means before causing the FAX transmission data generated based on the setting to be transmitted by FAX.

11. A control method for an information processing device comprising an operating system and an application program that supports a standard driver provided by the provider of the said operating system, The process of accepting FAX settings, A control method for an information processing device, characterized by comprising the step of controlling an image forming apparatus connected to the information processing device to display an image based on the FAX transmission data on the display means of the information processing device before causing the image forming apparatus to transmit the FAX transmission data generated based on the settings via FAX.

Images